Thursday 17th July 2025 marks a historic day for Plymouth as residents head to the polls to decide how their city should be governed. This Plymouth Plus A to Z guide covers everything you need to know to cast your vote in Plymouth's mayoral referendum.
A - Accessibility Support
Polling stations are equipped to assist voters with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, large print ballot papers, tactile voting devices for visually impaired voters, assistance from polling station staff, and the right to bring someone to help you vote. If you need specific accessibility support, contact Plymouth City Council's elections team in advance.
B - Ballot Paper
You'll receive a simple ballot paper asking whether Plymouth should be run by a leader chosen by councillors (current system) or by a mayor elected directly by voters (new system). Mark your choice clearly with the pencil provided.
C - Counting and Confirmation
Vote counting will begin immediately after polls close at 10pm on Thursday 17th July. The Counting Officer will oversee the process at the count venue. Results are expected in the early hours of Friday morning, when Plymouth will know definitively which governance system has been chosen.
D - Disabled Access and Assistance
All polling stations must be accessible to voters with disabilities. If you need help voting due to a disability or inability to read, you can ask the Presiding Officer for assistance, or bring a companion (aged 18 or over) to help you mark your ballot paper. Large print ballot papers and tactile voting devices are available on request.
E - Emergency Proxy Votes
Emergency proxy applications can still be made until 5pm on Thursday 17th July for physical incapacity that occurred after 5pm on Wednesday 9th July, work or service reasons where you became aware you cannot attend after 5pm on Wednesday 9th July, or photo ID becoming unavailable after 5pm on Wednesday 9th July. Applications must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ by 5pm on polling day.
F - Finding Your Polling Station
Your polling station details are printed on your polling card, but you can also find them at https://wheredoivote.co.uk/. You must vote at your designated polling station only.
G - Getting to Your Polling Station
Plan your journey to your designated polling station in advance. Check local transport options and allow extra time for potential queues, especially during busy periods like early morning, lunchtime, and early evening. Remember, you can only vote at your specific polling station - not any other location.
H - Hours
Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 17th July 2025. You must be in the queue before 10pm to guarantee your vote is counted.
I - ID Requirements
Photo ID is mandatory for voting in person. Accepted forms include UK or Irish passport (expired UK passports accepted if expired no more than 12 months ago), UK or EU driving licence (provisional accepted), Blue Badge, biometric residence permit, identity card with PASS mark, and photocard from certain government schemes. https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need
J - July 17th
The historic referendum date when Plymouth residents decide their democratic future.
K - Key Question
The referendum asks whether Plymouth should continue with the current system where councillors choose the leader, or switch to a directly elected mayor chosen by voters.
L - Lost Polling Card
Don't worry if you've lost your polling card - you can still vote! Polling cards are for information only and you don't need to bring them with you to vote. Just bring your photo ID to your designated polling station.
M - Mayor vs Leader
You're choosing between a leader who is an elected councillor chosen by other councillors (current system) or a mayor who is elected directly by voters (new system). This decision will shape how Plymouth is run for the next decade, as councils are locked into their chosen governance model for ten years following a referendum.
N - No ID?
If you've lost or don't have photo ID, it's too late to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for this referendum, but emergency proxy votes may be available in specific circumstances (see Emergency Proxy Votes).
O - Options
Two clear options: keep the current leader and cabinet system, or change to a directly elected mayor system.
P - Postal Voting
If you've already applied for a postal vote, your ballot paper should have arrived. Completed postal votes must be received by the Electoral Registration Officer at Ballard House by 10pm on Thursday 17th July.
Q - Queue
Make sure you're in the queue before 10pm to guarantee your vote is counted, even if voting continues after 10pm for those already queuing.
R - Results
Vote counting will begin after polls close at 10pm on Thursday 17th July. Results are expected in the early hours of Friday morning.
S - Secrecy and Security
Your vote is secret - no one can see how you vote. Voting booths provide privacy, and you should never feel pressured to reveal your choice. Polling stations have security measures in place, and staff are trained to ensure a safe, fair voting environment for all Plymouth residents.
T - Ten Year Lock-in
Whichever system Plymouth chooses, the council is effectively locked into that model for ten years from the date of the referendum and may only change it at a subsequent referendum.
U - Unique Opportunity
This is Plymouth's once-in-a-lifetime choice to decide its democratic future and how the city should be governed.
V - Voting Methods
You can vote in person at your polling station with photo ID, by post if you've already applied, or by proxy if someone is voting on your behalf with their own photo ID.
W - Weather and What to Wear
Check the weather forecast for Thursday 17th July and dress appropriately, especially if you expect to queue outdoors. Polling stations are indoors, but you may need to wait outside during busy periods. Wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.
X - eXtra Information
For more details, visit plymouth.gov.uk/referendum-how-plymouth-city-council-run or contact Plymouth City Council's elections team.
Y - Your Voice Matters
Whether you support a directly elected mayor or prefer the current system, your vote matters in shaping how your city is governed. This is your chance to have your say on Plymouth's future.
Z - Zero Tolerance
There's zero tolerance for electoral fraud or intimidation at polling stations. Report any concerns to polling station staff or Plymouth City Council immediately.
Remember: This is a once-in-a-lifetime choice for Plymouth's future. Make your voice heard between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 17th July.
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